WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by Sarah Dessen

Stick around... To celebrate the blog's one month anniversary, there's a GIVEAWAY at the end of this post! (Yes, one WHOLE month! Ha.)

 WHAT  HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by Sarah Dessen

YA - Hardcover, 402 pages
Published May 10, 2011
IndieBound / The Book Depository / Goodreads / Amazon

Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out.

Sarah Dessen is an automatic buy & read for me. I’ve been reading her books since I was 15, and I’m about to turn 29. When I think of contemporary YA with a solid cast of characters and real life scenarios, she’s it.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE is about a girl named Mclean, although she’s also known as Beth, Lizbit, and Eliza, depending on which town you're in. After her parents’ divorce, Mclean follows her dad around as he rehabs restaurants, while working to discover who she really is by reinventing herself in each new place. When they land in Lakeview, to work at the Luna Blu, she decides to be herself on a whim and uses her real name.

Mclean is Dessen’s classic every-girl. As you read, you’ll find yourself slipping into her world and never wanting to leave. She’s got family dysfunction to work through, a new town to settle into, and a boy to crush on. There’s more family and less BOY in this one than usual, I think, and I would’ve loved for Mclean to get a bit more action in the romance department, but it’s not completely lacking.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE is the perfect choice for longtime Dessen fans, and those seeking a comforting, quiet read. The quirky cast of characters, including the Tracy Flick-esque Deb and genius neighbor, Dave, will keep you interested throughout.

Happy one month anniversary to the blog! (Ha!)
Click HERE to fill out the form for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of the book!

The Rules: One entry per person, must follow blog somehow, must promote this blog or giveaway somehow - tweet or blog, ends July 3, Winner must provide U.S. or Canadian mailing address within 48 hours of being contacted.

Good luck & thanks for reading!